Australia has an almost universal lack of self criticism when it comes to the arts. Its something of a blind spot. Now I use the word criticism in its professional sense, people who are trained to make judgments about the merit of a work. Now I can say that if there was ever a skill that I have been trained professionally for it is literary criticism, one of my majors is English Lit. So while I rarely exercise the muscles of my critical faculty in the public space (my movie reviews are hardly exhaustive) I do have a feel for the value of calling a spade a good spade or a Baz Luhrmans film unwatchable shit.
I was prompted to examine the failure of arts criticism by (ironically) an English rock journo writing in the Australian edition of Rolling Stone. His observation was that there is NO criticism of useful construction in the Australian music scene. every so called critic must gush over the sacred cows, no one is allowed to say this band is actually mediocre or that band is quite shit. He sited the examples of Powderfinger and Silverchair the Triple J wunderkinds.
To criticise these bands negatively is to perpetuate the tall poppy syndrome. In fact to criticise any mainstream art in Australia is to be guilty of tall poppy or heaven forbid unAustralian!!!
It is worth noting that the three major media outlets in Australia News Corp, PBL and Fairfax control the publication of almost everything that is read, heard or watched. They have a vested interest in selling units, so negative publicity (in any form) is unacceptable.
This has a damming effect on the ability of the public to spot the naked emperor.
Baz Luhrmans new movie 'Australia' is out in cinemas at the moment. I won't be going to see it. I can say in all honesty that I'm not a Baz fan, I don't like his style of movie making and do not enjoy watching Nicole Kidman. The public have been feed several rumours about the movie, that its over budget, that the 'script' was written on the fly and that the final print was completed within hours of the premier. Perhaps some of these juicy rumours are true, perhaps all, perhaps none. But what is true is the gamble the Australian Tourism board is taking in promoting the movie 'Australia' to promote Australia the country.
Australia is secretly very ashamed that one of the most iconic of Australian films is 'Crocodile Dundee' and not 'Strictly Ballroom' or 'Two Hands' etc I'm not, I liked Croc Dundee and I enjoy Paul Hogan.
So you may hear a lot of gushing reviews for 'Australia' the movie. Please bear in mind the unstated vested interests of the media outlets to push and promote attendance in this film. It is estimated that 1/3 of all Australians will need to see it at least once for it to break even. To me that sounds like Baz is pushing for public investment in his vision. Tough break, if you wanted my money make a film about Hobbits or ninjas or god forbid Henry Lawson.
Just don't use Nicole Kidman.
To Know Me Is To Love Me...
- BubbaJay
- Suave raconteur and dinner party favourite. Once held the Olympic torch, has delivered newspapers to prime ministers, shaken hands with Prince Charles, wrecked Jason Donovan's skateboard, climbed 300 metre granite cliff faces, surfed with dolphins, appears on community radio and is in demand for these and the accounts of other thrilling exploits!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Bondy!!
Saw 'Quantum of Solace' yesterday, the first film I've seen since moving down to Melby town and it was a cracker.
I have been somewhat let down by the previous studio brand movies that I've seen this year (in fact this is true for a large number of films full stop). This latest episode in the Bond franchise picks up just where the last one left off, literally.
So as is my usual way I will not bore you with the plot, go and see it for yourself.
What I will comment on and what impressed me was the acting and the nice little references to past Bond films. But I have to say that I was very impressed, very impressed indeed, by the continuity of the two films. This is given that there are two different directors at work. Have to say I was suspicious as to how well that would work from a visual perspective.
Would there be a change in style etc. Well as this film does have a separate theme to the previous (despite the continuity) the pace and pathos is different. But its different in a manner that befits the development of the Bond character. Which is really what these two films are doing, they are a prologue.
Other things that stuck out in my mind was the gradual revelations about the Quantum organisation (Mr White, Mr Greene (tres Reservior Dogs)). The 'asymmetrical' nature of it all. I think Quantum is a worthy interpretation of SMERSH and Spectre.
I give 'Quantum of Solace' and large number of ninja stars and bowler hats.
^^^^^**********
I have been somewhat let down by the previous studio brand movies that I've seen this year (in fact this is true for a large number of films full stop). This latest episode in the Bond franchise picks up just where the last one left off, literally.
So as is my usual way I will not bore you with the plot, go and see it for yourself.
What I will comment on and what impressed me was the acting and the nice little references to past Bond films. But I have to say that I was very impressed, very impressed indeed, by the continuity of the two films. This is given that there are two different directors at work. Have to say I was suspicious as to how well that would work from a visual perspective.
Would there be a change in style etc. Well as this film does have a separate theme to the previous (despite the continuity) the pace and pathos is different. But its different in a manner that befits the development of the Bond character. Which is really what these two films are doing, they are a prologue.
Other things that stuck out in my mind was the gradual revelations about the Quantum organisation (Mr White, Mr Greene (tres Reservior Dogs)). The 'asymmetrical' nature of it all. I think Quantum is a worthy interpretation of SMERSH and Spectre.
I give 'Quantum of Solace' and large number of ninja stars and bowler hats.
^^^^^**********
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Meetings, old people and rules
Last night was the AGM for the radio station I'm volunteering at. I had some time up my sleeve so I thought I'd drop by and see the differences between ArtSound and 3MBS. The biggest difference that I could tell was the docility of the 3MBS AGM. At ArtSound you get foolish ex (or soon to be retired)public servants with too much time on their hands thinking their Rumpole of the Bailey talking FOR EVER ABOUT NOTHING.
Its the principle reason why I did not get involved in the 'back office' part of ArtSound. I would never have been able to work with the people who were treating the station as an emotional investment, that no one would ever truly 'get' and therefore remain outside of the true spirit of the station...
(Sounds a little melodramatic I know, but pretty bloody accurate. I sat in a meeting to discuss the Radiothon earlier this year, over 40 minutes was taken up by one person heaving and emoting that they did all the work last year, no one helped them and all the new ideas a stupid because the committee (there is always a committee for anything in Canberra) reported on all the stupid ideas you are thinking about right now. I made it to two meetings, realised the barrier to success was personality, weighed up the amount of free time and care I had and never went back to another meeting.)(also worth noting that the committee was comprised of the same people year in year out representing a somewhat limited world view for entertaining new ideas.)
3MBS was different at least in that respect. It was quieter for a start, no body grandstanded (except one retired accountant desperately starved for attention) and for the most part the station president did a very good job of steering the meeting.
Interesting comparison between the caliber of volunteers and both stations.
Its the principle reason why I did not get involved in the 'back office' part of ArtSound. I would never have been able to work with the people who were treating the station as an emotional investment, that no one would ever truly 'get' and therefore remain outside of the true spirit of the station...
(Sounds a little melodramatic I know, but pretty bloody accurate. I sat in a meeting to discuss the Radiothon earlier this year, over 40 minutes was taken up by one person heaving and emoting that they did all the work last year, no one helped them and all the new ideas a stupid because the committee (there is always a committee for anything in Canberra) reported on all the stupid ideas you are thinking about right now. I made it to two meetings, realised the barrier to success was personality, weighed up the amount of free time and care I had and never went back to another meeting.)(also worth noting that the committee was comprised of the same people year in year out representing a somewhat limited world view for entertaining new ideas.)
3MBS was different at least in that respect. It was quieter for a start, no body grandstanded (except one retired accountant desperately starved for attention) and for the most part the station president did a very good job of steering the meeting.
Interesting comparison between the caliber of volunteers and both stations.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Global Money
A lot of talk is 'out there' at the moment about the current economic situation. Several countries have declared a recession, pundits are crying doom, gloom etc...
There has been some discussion about Greed Sickness amongst the stock market types and even amongst the Dumb Poor who get convinced they need larger tv's, better back yards and more DVD's (as opposed to books).
My corporate experience was early this year, my boss at the time (someone who just did not 'get' the market he was working with). We had a contract in place with our major customer that had a clause permitting a price increase in line with the Bureau of Statistics indicies. The issue was we had a monopoly market, the customer resented buying the product from us and wanted a whole raft of improvements. My boss's plan, push through the price increase - because we can, its in the contract.
Whenever I get information relating to the current woes and dramas I'm reminded of the conversations I had explaining why that was not a good idea. Problem is the customer couldn't go anywhere else, we had a monopoly. So in that sense there was no way the company could lose (in terms of units sold).
But there was a cost, in the terms of the big picture, a larger deal we had been chasing started to show signs of failing. Key stakeholders heard about what the company had done and began foiling the deal.
I left soon afterward for a whole raft of reasons. But I've kept this experience in mind. There was no need or value in pursuing the short term gains versus the long term effects on the relationship with the customer. It was an exercise in corporate greed.
There has been some discussion about Greed Sickness amongst the stock market types and even amongst the Dumb Poor who get convinced they need larger tv's, better back yards and more DVD's (as opposed to books).
My corporate experience was early this year, my boss at the time (someone who just did not 'get' the market he was working with). We had a contract in place with our major customer that had a clause permitting a price increase in line with the Bureau of Statistics indicies. The issue was we had a monopoly market, the customer resented buying the product from us and wanted a whole raft of improvements. My boss's plan, push through the price increase - because we can, its in the contract.
Whenever I get information relating to the current woes and dramas I'm reminded of the conversations I had explaining why that was not a good idea. Problem is the customer couldn't go anywhere else, we had a monopoly. So in that sense there was no way the company could lose (in terms of units sold).
But there was a cost, in the terms of the big picture, a larger deal we had been chasing started to show signs of failing. Key stakeholders heard about what the company had done and began foiling the deal.
I left soon afterward for a whole raft of reasons. But I've kept this experience in mind. There was no need or value in pursuing the short term gains versus the long term effects on the relationship with the customer. It was an exercise in corporate greed.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Buddy Movie Idea
Here's a pitch its a buddy movie/road trip, add a dash of one or two musical numbers.
Elvis and Jesus.
It traces their rise from obscurity as a techno pop duo to the heights of fame in Las Vegas and then the inevitable decline...
(Jesus is the reclusive one)
Elvis and Jesus.
It traces their rise from obscurity as a techno pop duo to the heights of fame in Las Vegas and then the inevitable decline...
(Jesus is the reclusive one)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Update
So after 10 years of living in Canberra I've moved to Melbourne.
I've loved living in Canberra and being part of the local community. I've loved knowing my way around it and having a group of people there who I know.
But the time has come for me to move on.
In ever situation in life there must usually be a compelling reason to perform an action. In my case the reason was a wonderful one and helped to resolve a lot of issues I'd been trying to deal with.
So I'll now be blogging about my goings on from a new city!!
I've loved living in Canberra and being part of the local community. I've loved knowing my way around it and having a group of people there who I know.
But the time has come for me to move on.
In ever situation in life there must usually be a compelling reason to perform an action. In my case the reason was a wonderful one and helped to resolve a lot of issues I'd been trying to deal with.
So I'll now be blogging about my goings on from a new city!!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Learning to live without...
I've spent the past 12 months without a television in my house. Which is not to say that I've been without DVD's (watch 'em on my laptop). But it is to say that I've avoided for the most part 12 months of free to air television.
Guess what I learned;
* TV rarely if ever has anything worth the time you invest in it to watch
* If you get rid of your TV it will enable you to have conversations
* You'll also get out the house and into your community more often
and most importantly
* I can honestly say that I did not miss out on a thing
I would encourage everybody to try a week without TV, trust me you won't miss it. By all means watch DVD's to your hearts content, but I suggest you plan doing stuff other than TV watching. Its easier than you think.
Frank Lloyd Wright called the TV 'an ugly piece of furniture' and I agree. Television has become so dumbed down, so pandering to the lowest intellectual percentile that it and I have nothing in common. TV in Australia is terrible, the shows are god awful and force truly mindless drivel in our faces. It reduces the daily syntax, it celebrates presenters of mediocre talent and ability (because they are typical of the audience watching them) and it offends me with its banality and irrelevance.
Further more TV is becoming less and less vital in a world dominated by the internet. With TV you have to watch what they want, when they want. With the internet I can browse, surf, explore and watch what I want, when I want. I can also check my emails, interact with people (to some extent) and more and more importantly I can do so from almost anywhere in the world.
I predict an end to TV as we know it. I predict an end to liner broadcasting. But with most things in life it will not be long before that lower intellectual percentile of the population is on line and then the whole process will be slowed down for them. It will be the final victory of the Bell Curve.
Until then I urge all of you who are smarter than TV to find higher ground before the idiots adopt the internet. That higher ground is in your community, its in your local arts, its in sharing food and conversation, perhaps its in playing a sport or reading a book or listening to the radio.
But it is not in the passive consumption of a medium whose intellectual value is becoming more and more diminished.
Guess what I learned;
* TV rarely if ever has anything worth the time you invest in it to watch
* If you get rid of your TV it will enable you to have conversations
* You'll also get out the house and into your community more often
and most importantly
* I can honestly say that I did not miss out on a thing
I would encourage everybody to try a week without TV, trust me you won't miss it. By all means watch DVD's to your hearts content, but I suggest you plan doing stuff other than TV watching. Its easier than you think.
Frank Lloyd Wright called the TV 'an ugly piece of furniture' and I agree. Television has become so dumbed down, so pandering to the lowest intellectual percentile that it and I have nothing in common. TV in Australia is terrible, the shows are god awful and force truly mindless drivel in our faces. It reduces the daily syntax, it celebrates presenters of mediocre talent and ability (because they are typical of the audience watching them) and it offends me with its banality and irrelevance.
Further more TV is becoming less and less vital in a world dominated by the internet. With TV you have to watch what they want, when they want. With the internet I can browse, surf, explore and watch what I want, when I want. I can also check my emails, interact with people (to some extent) and more and more importantly I can do so from almost anywhere in the world.
I predict an end to TV as we know it. I predict an end to liner broadcasting. But with most things in life it will not be long before that lower intellectual percentile of the population is on line and then the whole process will be slowed down for them. It will be the final victory of the Bell Curve.
Until then I urge all of you who are smarter than TV to find higher ground before the idiots adopt the internet. That higher ground is in your community, its in your local arts, its in sharing food and conversation, perhaps its in playing a sport or reading a book or listening to the radio.
But it is not in the passive consumption of a medium whose intellectual value is becoming more and more diminished.
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